Aptamers as molecular recognition elements for electrical nanobiosensors

Abstract

Recent advances in nanotechnology have enabled the development of nanoscale sensors that outperform conventional biosensors. This review summarizes the nanoscale biosensors that use aptamers as molecular recognition elements. The advantages of aptamers over antibodies as sensors are highlighted. These advantages are especially apparent with electrical sensors such as electrochemical sensors or those using field-effect transistors. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] © 2007 Springer-Verlag.